Amazing Spider-Man #6Review

Dan Slott’s first arc on the new Amazing Spider-Man series wraps with one final showdown between Spider-Man and Silk on one side and Black Cat and Electro on the other. The interaction between Peter and Cindy remains the highlight of the story. Their primal, spidery connection is played to great comedic effect. Slott also showcases the myriad of ways in which having a partner comes in handy for Spidey. So all in all, Silk is a strong addition to the cast, and her presence bodes well for Spider-Verse.

Slott also finds success with several supporting players in this issue. Anna Maria is stepping up and managing to become an even bigger player in the series despite the death of Otto Octavius. Rather than dwell on her lover’s absence, Anna Maria plays bemused den mother to Peter and Cindy and generally develops into a more independent character. Slott also introduces a neat twist involving Peter’s partner Sajani that should have interesting ramifications.

Unfortunately, not every element in this issue fares so well. While the general idea of Black Cat developing a hatred of Spidey is good, the execution has been lacking. Felciia is played far too much like a cackling villain here. J. Jonah Jameson is also beginning to suffer in his new role as TV pundit. One of my favorite elements of Slott’s Spider-saga has been the evolution of JJJ from bitter, loud-mouthed tyrant to humbled man who owns up to his mistakes. But with this series, JJJ has pretty much backslid into familiar territory.

In general, this issue suffers from a common problem in that it feels disjointed and rushed in many spots. Slott is constantly juggling plot points and characters and setting things up for the future. Often all that prep work can have a detrimental effect on the story being told in the present. Hopefully Spider-Verse itself will be more streamlined and focused.